Here’s a little landscape from last fall capturing a beautiful autumn day on the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve from the Whipple bridge. We are really fortunate to live close to many nature preserves and open spaces. It’s all a constant source of inspiration.
Until next time…
Takeyce

I’ve been busy as a bee preparing for my upcoming summer shows. It’s all very exciting. In addition to a couple group shows, I am having a solo show at Mimosa Gallery in Saratoga Springs, NY in July.
Here are the details:Mimosa Gallery
Artist Reception – July 13, 4-7 PM

These beautiful tulips looked so pretty in my leaf vase. I added a few tangerines and, viola! – a nice still life set-up that had to be painted! It felt good going out of my comfort landscape zone to try this. I would like to do that more often.

I’ve been busy preparing for my summer shows! In addition to my solo exhibit in July at Mimosa Gallery, I have two other group shows coming up in June – more details about those later. It’s all very exciting and I’ve been doing a great job carving out time to work on new pieces – even if it means staying up to the wee hours. All this excitement comes with lots of energy and motivation.

“Often, in my mind, I have pictured a great blank canvas, and in my imagination I have seen it transformed into the masterpiece of my dreams. Memory has conjured the subject and imagination has fashioned it. How I wish I could show you one of those pictures. They are very broad in treatment and there is no detail to distract the eye; yet the tiniest incident is there if you look- the glint of a dragonfly’s wing over the water, and the blue-green of the hedge-sparrow’s eggs in the smooth hollow of the nest. The colours cannot be found in tubes- they are taken from the fields and flowers, and are mixed with light and air.” – Edward Seago

That pretty much sums up how I’ve always felt about the natural world. I have all this beautiful imagery bopping around the brain, and I am eager to share it with you all.

The kids and I found this fallen empty nest at the park last summer. I’ve wanted to paint it ever since. This was my first time painting a nest, and it was such a soothing and comforting experience. There is something so precious about a nest. Can an object be secure and delicate at the same time? I think so.

Happy March! Spring is right around the corner, so I have fresh greens on the mind. I have enjoyed this winter, but I am starting to long for warm sunshine, and the sweet smell of new grass.

This pastel was a challenge due to all the variety of greens. It depicts an early spring scene in the Berkshires. I snapped a few photos while on the way to the Clark Museum a few years ago, and I’ve been wanting to paint it for quite some time. I’m glad I took the challenge – pretty pleased with the results.

Available in my Etsy Shop.
Here’s a little pastel celebrating Spring. I took an early morning kayak trip a few years ago and took many photos of this sweet, quiet spot just off the lake. I like to think of it as my very own secret place. I’m looking forward to visiting again this coming spring.

This is one of the views from my backyard, looking toward the marsh. We were out last weekend on the ice, and it was so beautiful! The kids had fun sledding and sliding around. I have several paintings lined up inspired by the marsh, and the lake. As Emma says “It’s Magical!”.

All of the snow is now gone with the last 56-degree heat spell we had yesterday. Not to worry – more is one the way!
This scene is from last weekend, when the family and I went out on the frozen lake. It was the little ones’ first time being out there in winter. They were pretty amazed. There was lots of activity on the lake; ice fishing, ice skating, snow mobiles racing around a track. I really enjoy seeing the fun times folks share on the lake. Makes me so happy to live here.

I was very inspired. Here are the two paintings I completed while the juices were flowing!

Here’s the study for the Scotland commission I posted the other day.
This one was done in pastel, mainly to work out the composition and colors. I enjoyed doing the same subject in two different mediums. It is available matted, and ready to slip into an 11×14″ frame. I can also frame this piece for an additional cost.

This is technically the first completed oil painting of 2013, but I had to wait to post it until the intended recipient saw it. It was a commissioned milestone birthday present for our cousin Laurie. Yesterday was her party. I wasn’t able to attend, but I hope she was pleasantly surprised. The location is one of her (I’m sure many) inspiration spots in Scotland. It was a surprise gift, so we had to pick a photo from many from her trips to Scotland. This one was chosen because she noted that it was her “inspirational spot”. I can see why – It’s beautiful! Here’s the source photo:

I thought it would be interesting to share some process shots:

First, I toned my canvas with a mixture of Cadmium Orange, and a touch of Alizarin Crimson.

Next, I sketched in the general composition. I decided to crop it a bit to so that the rock structure was more prominent. The rock structure is a strong focal point, so I had to make sure it was drawn as accurately as possible.

Next, I blocked in the sky. Love those blues, and puffy clouds.

Then the landmasses, surrounding water, foreground grasses, and purple flowers (heather, I believe?).

Next, I tackled that rock structure. Capturing all the distinctive shapes was an excellent challenge.

Here’s a detailed close up of the rock structure. It had such interesting shapes and colors – very distinctive.

And here is the painting with the floater frame chosen. I think the rich brown wood suits the painting well.

What a beautiful place! I can see why it’s an source of inspiration for Laurie! I did hear that she was very surprised and moved by the gift. That makes me so thrilled!

The New Year has started off wonderfully for me. I’ve managed to carve out a little time each day to do something creative. This little pastel is the result of my efforts on Sunday morning. The light was so beautiful reflecting on the snow and trees. Pastels are great for capturing fleeting moments like these. Just grab and go!

I also had the pleasure of attending the Mimosa Gallery 10″x10″=$100 show on Saturday. It was such a great opening. I met many interesting artists, and art lovers – very nice conversation. Michelle LaLonde and her staff did a wonderful job hosting and hanging the show (as usual). They kept the wine and hors d’oeuvres coming, and there was wonderful music by Norm Dovberg and the “Out Of A Jam” band. A great night, indeed. One of my paintings – “Morning Moon” sold before I got there, so I didn’t get to meet the collector. Thank you!

If you’re local, I highly recommend attending the show. It runs through the end of the month. There are so many beautiful artworks available (paintings, sculpture, ceramics, drawings) by many talented artist at quiet a steal at $100 or less. I think many sold at the opening, but Michelle has plenty of pieces to fill any empty spot.

The New Year has started off wonderfully for me. I’ve managed to carve out a little time each day to do something creative. This little pastel is the result of my efforts on Sunday morning. The light was so beautiful reflecting on the snow and trees. Pastels are great for capturing fleeting moments like these. Just grab and go!

I also had the pleasure of attending the Mimosa Gallery 10″x10″=$100 show on Saturday. It was such a great opening. I met many interesting artists, and art lovers – very nice conversation. Michelle LaLonde and her staff did a wonderful job hosting and hanging the show (as usual). They kept the wine and hors d’oeuvres coming, and there was wonderful music by Norm Dovberg and the “Out Of A Jam” band. A great night, indeed. One of my paintings – “Morning Moon” sold before I got there, so I didn’t get to meet the collector. Thank you!

If you’re local, I highly recommend attending the show. It runs through the end of the month. There are so many beautiful artworks available (paintings, sculpture, ceramics, drawings) by many talented artist at quiet a steal at $100 or less. I think many sold at the opening, but Michelle has plenty of pieces to fill any empty spot.

Not only a New Day, but a New Year!
Happy New Year, to you all. I wish for you a year filled with wonderful, meaningful moments. And of course, beautiful art!

To start the year off, I am participating in Mimosa Gallery’s10″x10″=$100 Annual Exhibit. The opening is this Saturday, Jan. 5th at 4pm. Several of my small paintings (no larger than 10×10″) will be available at the show. Hope to see you there!